Q&A: Should I buy a stand mixer based on its wattage?

Consumer Reports News: September 01, 2009 12:46 PM

I've read that more watts are better. Is that true, or am I just wasting my money?

Don't buy a stand mixer based on wattage. It's usually the power used, not produced. A stand mixer with high wattage may be powerful or may just operate inefficiently. But be sure to check the warranty as they vary. Also consider:

• Examining the mixer before buying. Look at the proportion of the beaters to the bowl. If the bowl holds 7 quarts but the top of the beaters only reach half way up the bowl, then the true capacity of the bowl is about 3.5 quarts. This is especially important if you frequently work with lots of flour

• Buying an extra bowl, for around $50, if you make two-step recipes so you won't have to scrape and rinse between steps.

• Checking Websites for rebate information. KitchenAid is offering $40 back on select 5- or 6-quart stand mixers (the KitchenAid Classic K45 has repeatedly been our top-rated model).

Most of the tested models have one beater that spins in one direction and moves around the bowl in the opposite way. The bottom-rated stand mixers have two beaters that spin against each other, just like a hand mixer.

While these models were the least expensive, they were also mediocre or worse at mashing potatoes, mixing cookie dough, and kneading bread. We also found that two hand mixers—the KitchenAid Ultra Power 5 KHM5DH[WH] and Braun Multi Mix 4-in-1 M880—did well at mixing dough when fitted with their dough hooks.